Carl Temple, 41, and Paige McBride, 24, pinched a mix of perfume, cosmetics and aftershave from Superdrug and Debenhams in The Bridges shopping centre on October 7.

South Tyneside Magistrates’ Court heard both defendants had mental health issues, with McBride a heroin user.

Prosecutor Glenda Beck told the court they first targeted Superdrug where their activities aroused the attention of a security guard.

The pair stole from shops in The Bridges in Sunderland.

She said: “They were suspected of concealing items in their shopping bags. They continued to act suspiciously and removed security tags and left without payment, but the security alarm went off.

“The witness followed them out and they were asked to return. The items were recovered.

“During interview the defendants admitted they had stolen from Debenhams. Debenhams was asked to check its CCTV.”

Mrs Beck said both defendants were seen going into the department store - Temple twice, stealing perfume both times, followed by McBride, who took cosmetics.

The cases were heard at South Tyneside Magistrates' Court.

The court was told Temple has 99 theft or theft-linked offences to his name and was subject to a community order in May for the crime.

McBride has five theft or theft-related offences recorded and was subject to a community order, imposed in January for an assault.

Tom Morgan, solicitor for both defendants, who each pleaded guilty to two theft charges, said of McBride: “There are serious mental health issues.”

Of Temple, who the court heard suffered from post-traumatic stress disorder, he added: “Mr Temple is a 41-year-old man with a 21-year-old habit.

“The pair are battling with significant mental health problems and drug addiction. I don’t think you could get more compelling candidates for drug rehabilitation.

“This should give them both the support to clean themselves up.”

Magistrates gave Temple and McBride, of Commercial Street, Ferryhill, each a 12-month community order, six Drug Rehabilitation Requirement days, a £40 fines.

Temple must also complete 11 rehabilitation days with Probation Service, and McBride 20 days.

Thieving pair target stores in the Bridges in Sunderland city centre to steal perfume, cosmetics and aftershave